Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics of the Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements {La(III)&Pr(III)} by Nanocobalt Ferrite

Background: Thermal decomposition of metal oxalates, which lead to transition metal oxide composite, is considered to be a versatile method for the synthesis of transition metal oxide composite and its extraordinary applications. Objectives: Nanometal oxide composite, especially, nanocobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), is prepared efficiently in a simple, eco friendly and cost effective manner. Various characterization techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS are applied to explore the morphology, functional groups, bonding nature and size of the nano particles synthesized. Adsorption of rare earth elements La(III) and Pr(III) onto synthesized nanocobalt ferrite is further studied using ICPAES method. Methods: Here, authors make an attempt to exploit meso porous CoFe2O4 synthesized through thermal decomposition method and exploited it as an adsorbent for the adsorption of REEs, namely Lanthanum and Praseodymium in their trivalent oxidation state La (III) & Pr (III) using ICPAES technique. Results and discussion: The influencing parameters such as the adsorption efficiency, which include equilibrium time, pH, initial rare earth element concentration, adsorbent dosage and effect of temperature are studied. Adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters are analyzed. Conclusion: It is observed that adsorption studies follow pseudo second order kinetics and follow adsorption isotherms of Langmuir. The adsorption capacity is observed to be more than 90%.